Rufus Taylor, Bribery and Extortion, Ohio 2018
Rufus Taylor, the former Chief of the City of Cleveland’s Demolition Bureau, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for bribery and extortion.
According to court documents, Taylor received and solicited cash bribes from two contractors in exchange for preferential treatment and advantageous information on city of Cleveland demolition projects.
The scheme, which took place from 2012 through 2017, saw Taylor receive cash payments from Contractor 1 and Contractor 2 in exchange for assistance placing them on the city's bid list for demolition jobs and notification of emergency demolition jobs.
Taylor's sentencing comes after he pleaded guilty to bribery in federally funded programs and extortion under color of official right in September of 2018. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher A. Boyko handed down the sentence, which also includes one year of supervised release and a $5,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea Rice and Elliot Morrison prosecuted the case.
Taylor's crimes had a significant impact on the city of Cleveland, with the former Demolition Bureau Chief abusing his position to line his own pockets. His sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.
The City of Cleveland can breathe a sigh of relief now that Taylor has been brought to justice. The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government, and serves as a warning to other public officials who would seek to abuse their power.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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